Indore, July 9 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari’s younger brother, Nana Patwari, was detained by the Indore police on Thursday after his name allegedly surfaced during the interrogation of two suspected drug peddlers, triggering a political controversy in the state.

According to information, two suspected drug peddlers were arrested late on Wednesday night during an investigation into an alleged drug racket. During questioning, the accused allegedly named Nana Patwari. Acting on the information, the police detained him for further questioning as part of the ongoing probe.

The detention drew a sharp reaction from the Congress, with several party leaders alleging that Jitu Patwari’s family was being targeted for political reasons.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha expressed concern over the police action. In a post on X, Tankha said Jitu Patwari had informed him that his younger brother had been detained without prior notice and that the family was not told where he was being taken.

“I learned from Jitu Patwari that the Indore Police suddenly arrested his younger brother without citing any specific offence. The Patwari family was not informed of his whereabouts. I urge the DGP, the Indore Police Commissioner and the Commissioner of Indore Division not to establish a precedent that could lead to trouble in the future,” Tankha said.

Senior Congress leader and former minister Sajjan Singh Verma also alleged that a conspiracy was being hatched against Jitu Patwari’s family. In a social media post, he appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to intervene and ensure fairness.

“Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ji, I urge you to please show magnanimity. Politics keeps shifting; power comes and goes. A conspiracy is being hatched against the family of Congress State President Shri Jitu Patwari. You must certainly take cognisance of this matter,” Verma said.

The police had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the case as of the filing of this report. It also remained unclear whether Nana Patwari had been formally arrested or was being questioned as part of the investigation.

–IANS

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